As February draws to a close, skywatchers are in for a treat: a planetary parade. Several planets in our solar system are aligning in a rare display, offering a chance to see multiple celestial bodies at once. While not all planets will be visible to the naked eye, the event promises a captivating view for those willing to look up, though bright sunlight may pose a challenge. The phenomenon, where planets appear close together in the sky, occurs when they gather within a 90-degree angle of each other from our perspective on Earth.
The current alignment is particularly notable since Venus, Mercury, and Saturn are appearing in a row as seen from Earth, especially around sunset. Jupiter is as well visible during the night. According to Tor Einar Aslesen of the Norwegian Astronomical Society, the proximity of these planets makes this a special occasion. “Merkur is a planet that isn’t seen often, because it travels very quickly around the sun – 88 days, which is fast ” Aslesen explained to NTB, as reported by NRK Nordland.
Catching the Celestial Show
For those hoping to spot the planetary parade, timing and location will be key. Aslesen suggests that observers in the Oslo area, and likely elsewhere, will have the best chance of seeing Venus and Mercury if the weather cooperates. He recommends using a camera to capture images towards the sunset, as a shorter exposure time can produce the fainter Mercury more visible. Mercury appears higher in the sky earlier in the evening, making it easier to spot.
Venus, being the second brightest object in the sky after the sun, is readily visible to the naked eye. However, early in the week, Venus will be low on the horizon. As the week progresses, it will develop into easier to observe. Jupiter will be visible throughout the night, appearing as a bright “star” and offering a chance for telescope users to observe its moons – the four largest discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610.
Peak Alignment and Challenges
The planets will be at their closest alignment on February 28th. Around 5:45 PM local time, Saturn, Mercury, and Venus will be visible just above the horizon. However, Mars will be less visible, rising with the sun and being lost in the glare. Aslesen also notes that Neptune and Uranus are not visible without the aid of a telescope, with even spotting Uranus requiring exceptional eyesight.
A significant challenge to viewing the parade is the sun’s presence. Aslesen explained to NRK Nordland, “When the planets gather at a lower angle, within 90 degrees of each other, we call it a kind of planetary parade. But then the problem is that the sun is also there. It creates too much light, especially around sunrise and sunset.” This makes observing the planets during twilight tough, requiring clear skies and a quality vantage point.
A Hyped Event?
While the planetary parade is generating excitement, some experts caution against overblown expectations. Pål Brekke, chief scientist at the Norwegian Space Centre, told forskning.no that this particular parade is “somewhat hyped.” Unlike the 2025 alignment, not all the planets will appear as a clear line in the sky. The sun’s interference and the varying brightness of the planets mean that careful observation and potentially optical aid will be needed to fully appreciate the event.
Despite the challenges, the planetary parade offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos. The alignment of Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and Jupiter provides a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the beauty of the night sky. For those interested in learning more, the Norwegian Astronomical Society is a valuable resource.
Looking ahead, the next significant astronomical event will be the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower in April, offering another chance to witness a spectacular display in the night sky. Keep an eye on space news for updates and opportunities to observe these celestial events.
Have you spotted the planetary parade? Share your photos and observations in the comments below!
Worth a look
